Thomas So was body’s vice-president for two years; he earned a doctor of
laws from a prestigious university in Beijing
A specialist
in mainland law has been elected to lead the city’s cohort of solicitors amid
increasing ties between local legal professionals and their counterparts across
the border.
Former vice-president Thomas So Shiu-tsung, who holds
a doctor of laws from Beijing’s prestigious Tsinghua University, is the new
president of the Law Society, the legal professionals’ body announced in a
statement.
He was elected at the society’s annual general meeting
on June 7.
His appointment came after the latest supplement of
the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement gave Hong Kong professionals,
including lawyers, greater access to the mainland market.
So told the Post last
November the society wanted to improve conditions for local lawyers wishing to
venture into the mainland.
“We can form partnerships with mainland law firms, but
the shareholding is restricted to 51 per cent for the mainland and 49 for Hong
Kong. We have been calling for a relaxation of that rule,” he said.
Admitted to practice in Hong Kong in 1988, the
commercial litigation and media law specialist is the chairman of the society’s
Greater China legal affairs committee, alongside his membership of panels
dealing with compliance and practitioner affairs.
Outgoing former Law Society president Stephen Hung
Wan-shun described So as a “more-than-qualified” person to lead the
professional group.
“So has been the vice-president of the Law Society for
more than two years and I have been consulting his opinions on various policies
during my term,” Hung said.
He also dismissed the claim by many that So was a
conservative lawyer. “I would not be more liberal than him,” Hung said.
Melissa Pang , known for her devotion to public
service, including her role as the legal body’s representative on the Hong Kong
Legal Aid Services Council, has been re-elected vice-president.
Also re-elected to that post was Amirali Nasir, an
Equal Opportunities Commission member.
So is a partner of Mayer Brown JSM, according to the
legal firm’s website, which says So handled litigation relating to the media
and property. He also represents banks, property developers and corporations in
securities and equity-related disputes.
“He is dually qualified in both Hong Kong and mainland
China and provides legal support to clients and advises on cross-border dispute
strategy in both jurisdictions,” the website says.
So will helm the century-old society, which boasts
more than 8,600 members, in handling hot issues such as a proposed new examination
for law students wishing to become solicitors.
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